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Media Release

13 November 2016

NSW hooks Australia's first digital licences

13 November 2016

In an Australian first, NSW residents can download the first ever digital licences on their smartphone or tablet, with the launch of the digital Recreational Fishing Fee (fishing licence), Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) Competency Cards.

From today, the licences are available through the new “My Licences” digital wallet in the latest version of the Service NSW app.

Minister for Finance, Services and Property Dominic Perrottet said the launch marked a quantum leap in government technology, paving the way for digital driver licences by 2019.

“NSW is leading the nation in government technology, and the number one reason is that we are determined to offer the best services to make life easier for the people of NSW,” Mr Perrottet said.

“If you carry a smartphone in your pocket and you’re looking forward to a wallet-free future, digital licences make so much sense – they’re easily accessible, safe and secure, and it’s one less thing to stuff in your wallet.”

“You can renew your licence and update your details with the click of a button, and there’s no need to visit a Service NSW centre or wait for something in the post. It’s all about saving time and making life easier, and these three licences are just the beginning.”

Digital licences are strictly optional, with physical licence cards to remain available for all licence holders.

Security has been paramount in developing the digital licence platform, which uses multi-tiered security features similar to phone banking. Licence data is securely stored in the user’s MyServiceNSW account, housed in the NSW Government’s data centre, GovDC.

The digital platform also offers more control and autonomy for customers, allowing them to view when their licence was checked, update their account and view licence details.

Digital licences can be sighted just like physical licences, and authorities can also verify whether a digital licence is current or has conditions using a purpose-built checker app.

While users who choose to carry only a digital version of their licence must ensure their device remains charged and accessible, digital licences can be accessed on another smartphone or tablet by securely signing into the Service NSW App.

To find out more about digital licences, how to set up a MyServiceNSW account, or download the Service NSW app, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au.